[Reader-list] New guidelines for inland fisheries

[T Peter]

*New **guidelines** for inland fisheries*

T. Nandakumar <http://www.thehindu.com/profile/author/T.-Nandakumar-576/>



http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-
kerala/new-guidelines-for-inland-fisheries/article18197044.ece

*Encroachment and pollution of waterbodies to be punishable offence in
proposed Bill*

The Union government has issued guidelines for the States on framing a Bill
on inland fisheries and aquaculture, amid mounting concern over the
pollution and encroachment of waterbodies in Kerala and the long- standing
demand to protect the traditional rights and livelihood security of inland
fishers.

Waste dumping

The guidelines were issued by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying
and Fisheries (DADF) under the Union Ministry of Agriculture to address the
inadequacies in the existing regulations by States. According to the
guidelines, encroachment or reclamation of rivers, lakes and wetlands and
pollution of water sources is to be treated as a punishable offence.
Dumping of solid waste in lakes, wetlands and lagoons has also been
recommended for punishment. The guidelines propose regulations on the use
of fishing craft and gear to protect commercially important fish species
from exploitation.

States have been asked to notify protected areas and fishing holidays in
waterbodies during the fish breeding season and ensure safe passage for
migration of fish brooders to wetlands. The Centre has also instructed
States to consider aquaculture on a par with agriculture and ensure uniform
incentives, tax benefits and concessional tariffs for both sectors.
Certification of fish seed and fish feed, disease monitoring and control
and curbs on exotic species and destructive fishing practices are other
provisions recommended for inclusion in the Bill.

NGOs’ role

A participatory approach with the involvement of NGOs and self help groups
has been mooted to ensure sustainability of inland fisheries. Sources in
the sector point out that though the number of inland fishers in Kerala is
larger than those in the marine sector, they are scattered and poorly
organised, unlike their counterparts in Odisha and West Bengal. The
pollution and encroachment of waterbodies are two major issues that
threaten sustainable inland fisheries in Kerala, says T.Peter, General
Secretary, National Fishworkers Forum.

Demand on pokkali

Inland fishermen in the State have also been clamouring for protection of
their traditional rights for fishing activities in pokkali fields where
farmers rotate paddy cultivation and fish farming. They feel that they have
been sidelined by farmers who reap more profits from shrimp farming than
paddy. The NFF is organising a consultative meeting at Kolkata to discuss
the Centre’s guidelines. Mr. Peter said the response would be submitted to
the government.
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·  States asked to consider aquaculture on a par with agriculture, ensure
uniform incentives

·  Fishing holidays have to be notified during fish breeding season